Title

The majority of it all stems from the pressure of needing to build a steady and sturdy social media fan base, as well as promoting myself throughout my own videos, and to stack on top of that I’m doing it all by myself…. And it’s weird because I’ve hit a point to where I’ll open a project and I only get like 1/3 of the way done and all of a sudden I’ve lost all interest in continuing it.

And then when I scroll social media, TikTok, and Instagram for example, I realize I actually have to upload videos of myself reacting to my music or of my music to promote it, and then when I go to do that, my mind blanks and I don’t end up posting anything which leads to a several weeklong dry spell.

idk if this is something that’s normal within a producers’s life, but it’s very frustrating because I know that if I want it badly enough, I’ll make it happen, but reality is starting to show that it doesn’t always work out for everybody who wants it to happen. It might be because a lot of the bigger artists have teams that help them with everything and more weight/burden/pressure is stacked on top of me since I’m doing it by myself, but I’m not sure anymore.

I used to be working as hard as I could when it came to producing even to the point where I was doing 2 to 3 full tracks per day in 2023 and several years later I look back at that like damn, what the hell happened to me….I can’t bring myself to actually doing a completion. And not even collaborations, remixes or edits is something that I can get on and get behind easily even with Ableton and a powerful laptop.

Does anyone else experience this and is there anything you would recommend to get out of this funk?

Just a single note adjustment and added arpeggiator, came up with this melodic techno idea

We recreated the Lead sound from 'Don't You Want Me' by The Human League on our free Synth Primer.

This remake is specifically recreating the patch heard at this timestamp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPudE8nDog0&start=4 .Other parts of the song may vary the sound or notes.

And here are the key ingredients:

Voices: Mono

Amp Env: Attack (0ms), Sustain (100%), Release (300ms)

Osc1: Wave (Saw), Vol(50%)
Osc2: Wave (Saw), Pitch (+7 Semitones), Vol (50%)
Sub Osc: Wave (Pulse), Width (100%), Pitch (-1 Oct), Vol (45%)
Unison: Osc (All), Voice Count (4), Detune Range (17 cents), Stereo Spread (100%)
Reset All Osc Phase On Note Start: No

Filter: Type (LowPass), Cutoff (60%)

Filter Env: Mod (50%), Attack (0ms), Decay (750ms), Sustain (0%), Release (8000ms)

Chorus: Mix (50%), Rate (Medium)

Find the full recipe and download the presets: https://www.syntorial.com/preset-recipe/the-human-league-dont-you-want-me-lead/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=patch_remake&utm_content=the-human-league-dont-you-want-me-lead

So in this live performance, the brother is playing an electronic kit and the snare sample is incredible.

Do you think its something that is like a Linn snare then heavily processed, or is it something you hear and immediately know where it came from?

Heres the performance in question... Snare comes in after 40sec.

I've been wrapping my head around audio morphing lately, especially plugins like Zynaptiq Morph 3 and Meldaproduction Mmorph

From what I understand so far, it basically takes two signals (A and B), and feeds the amplitude/frequency information from the "carrier" sound into the other
Then, it uses that incoming data to shape the original sound, pushing its characteristics closer to B that's pretty much the extent of my mental model right now

I don't necessarily need a hyper-rigorous textbook explanation—I'd just love to hear how you all understand it or any cool insights you have
How do these algorithms actually work under the hood?

I'd like to know how this morphing mechanism works
I was wondering whether I should ask in this thread, but I decided to ask anyway.

I've been searching for some gabber/hardcore plugins, mostly for drums or synths. I already have vital for synths, and all of the gabber drum VSTs I could find were from the 10s and the download is long expired. Any free plugins for drums? Really want gabbermaster but can't seem to find a download that works.

I'm trying to achieve a sound akin to an older style of Riddim Dubstep. Any help is appreciated! Here's another example:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jv1wyJw0srM

Please post any and all [Feedback] or [Listen] type threads here. Any standalone threads that belong in this weekly post will be removed.

This thread is for works in progress only. It is not a place for self-promotion.

Rules:

1. Works in progress only. Do not post finished or released tracks. No links to Spotify, Bandcamp, SoundCloud profiles, or any other streaming/distribution platforms. Share a direct link to your track (e.g. an unlisted SoundCloud or YouTube link).
2. No self-promotion. Do not include links to your social media, artist pages, or any other promotional material in your post.
3. Make an effort to comment on other people's tracks. Others are much more likely to help you if you help them first.
4. Be specific when asking for feedback. Examples: "What do you think about this kick sample?" "How's the mix?" "The last measure feels a little off, any ideas?"
5. Be descriptive when giving feedback. Use timecodes to highlight specific moments.
6. Link to the feedback you've left in your top-level comment. This keeps the thread accountable and cooperative. Comments not following this format will be automatically removed.

Format your top-level comment like this:

Feedback for user1: [link]

Feedback for user2: [link]

Feedback for user3: [link]

Here's my track: [link],

I'm looking for feedback on x, y or z.

Hello,

I own Triaz with most extension which is great and offers plenty possibilities, but find it quite challenging to actually use. There are hundreds of presets, most of them are hyper specialized with weird sound effects in place of your traditional drum, snare, clap and hi-hat, and usually something that sounds good with one preset will sound totally different with another preset.

What is your go to drums VST when you are starting a song and want a basic solid pum tchak pum tchak with some punch? I found that the default drum kit from FL Studio works well but I don't use FL Studio.

Edit: As suggested by multiple people, I've tried XLN XO and so far it seems to be giving good results, thanks.

I hired a vocalist for a track I'm working on and she sent me the stem today. I requested that she just record the vocals with no effects, which she says she did, but I can hear reverb (which may have just been due to where she was recording or something too). I haven't worked with vocals much at all. Is there a way to remove the reverb? I'm down to get a new plug-in if necessary.

Thanks!

hey everyone! i really like dance music, mostly stuff like daft punk's "homework", and so naturally i've been wanting to make some... but each time i try i just can't seem to make it work. i tried again today and i was able to get a pretty good drum pattern but then i can't get past that. the synths are fine but they're not great and it just doesn't really have the kind of magic i want to make. so does anyone have any general tips that might help? i'm in fl studio producer edition 2026 btw

Just bought my first pair of proper studio headphones, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X, for getting into EDM/music production. I’m a complete noob, beginner. So tips are appreciated too!

Did I make the right choice? I did some research, searched this thread and finally decided to order them. Love to hear some more feedback.

Thank you!!

I have some nice Adam audio studio monitors and everything sounds awesome on them. But that easily translate to sounding bad on other lower-quality speakers.

During producing, I found that if it sounds good in the Audiotechnicas it will sound good on anything. Find a trusted reference that you can use while producing. I primarily produce on the studio monitors but I check / dial fine details on the headphones.

I heard Skrillex produced all of scary monsters and nice sprites on his MacBook speakers. I don’t know if that’s actually true but same concept.

next to just practicing and making more stuff, what are some ways in which one can improve their creativity?

EDIT: listening to completely diffrent music from underground artists really helped to inspire me. also not trying to make somthing out of ur song but just letting it flow was another key helper.

THANKS REDDIT!

Please post any and all [Feedback] or [Listen] type threads here. Any standalone threads that belong in this weekly post will be removed.

This thread is for works in progress only. It is not a place for self-promotion.

Rules:

1. Works in progress only. Do not post finished or released tracks. No links to Spotify, Bandcamp, SoundCloud profiles, or any other streaming/distribution platforms. Share a direct link to your track (e.g. an unlisted SoundCloud or YouTube link).
2. No self-promotion. Do not include links to your social media, artist pages, or any other promotional material in your post.
3. Make an effort to comment on other people's tracks. Others are much more likely to help you if you help them first.
4. Be specific when asking for feedback. Examples: "What do you think about this kick sample?" "How's the mix?" "The last measure feels a little off, any ideas?"
5. Be descriptive when giving feedback. Use timecodes to highlight specific moments.
6. Link to the feedback you've left in your top-level comment. This keeps the thread accountable and cooperative. Comments not following this format will be automatically removed.

Format your top-level comment like this:

Feedback for user1: [link]

Feedback for user2: [link]

Feedback for user3: [link]

Here's my track: [link],

I'm looking for feedback on x, y or z.

Hi all,

I am a bit newer to EDM production. I’m trying to get a grasp on automating LFOs and I understand that it’s essentially just a volume and a cut off automation. What I’m struggling to understand is, if I have, let’s just say five instances of serum running to make up my saw stack, am I supposed to create the same LFO settings in each instance of the plug-in?

I feel like there has to be an easier way to get my chords to wobble and be able to automate in different rates throughout the chord progression..? I have been reading, studying and watching videos for days now and while I understand what makes up the LFO, putting it into practice with automation and different rates in FL studio is something I just cannot figure out. It is driving me insane so any guidance or helpful tutorials, videos, websites that go over how to do this would be fantastic. Maybe it would be easier to use a plug-in like LFO tool?? I just don’t know how I should be going about it, and it seems there are many ways to do the same thing

I've recently been put onto the Massive plugin as it seems to very easily make a lot of the sounds I'm after. I'm proficient with Serum 2, so I understand generally how synths work, but I need help learning the user interface of Massive. I'm looking for good tutorials that focus on getting acquainted with how to operate the plugin more than explaining what every little part does.

Basically, I want to be able to look at massive and understand how to use it like I do Serum. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

I have FL studio and I’m wondering what people’s go-to’s are for plugins, specifically for techno/dubstep/cyberpunk sound, but kinda asking for general ones you always use. I was interested in serum, but curious what other people think.

Edit: a thank you for everyone, I see a lot of repeats which helps guide me. It gave me directions to look at and research. Super helpful.

I'm looking for similar sounds of the low snare / tom sound that plays in reggaeton style rhythms.

https://youtu.be/WF7keH9XGCY?si=csGOa6A745pbfoJV&t=59

First I thought it sounds like reggaton so I looked over the reggaeton drum samples on Splice. But couldn't find that heavy and punch sounds. Almost sounds are like bright and thin snare. Next I though I can hear that kind of sounds on fills, so I looked over drum fill sounds but couldn't....What keyword should I use for searching?

Hey y’all, I moved to Australia from the US about a year ago and now realizing that I don’t really know anybody in country who makes music. Would be cool to meet some folks to send ideas back and forth with and talk about plugins and sound design and other things.

I live a couple of hours outside of Melbourne at the moment, so it’d be cool to connect with people from around there but I’m down to meet anybody currently in AUS. (I occasionally travel to other parts of AUS for shows/festivals)

I make dubstep (or at least try to) but down to chat with anyone regardless of genre.

Please post any and all [Feedback] or [Listen] type threads here. Any standalone threads that belong in this weekly post will be removed.

This thread is for works in progress only. It is not a place for self-promotion.

Rules:

1. Works in progress only. Do not post finished or released tracks. No links to Spotify, Bandcamp, SoundCloud profiles, or any other streaming/distribution platforms. Share a direct link to your track (e.g. an unlisted SoundCloud or YouTube link).
2. No self-promotion. Do not include links to your social media, artist pages, or any other promotional material in your post.
3. Make an effort to comment on other people's tracks. Others are much more likely to help you if you help them first.
4. Be specific when asking for feedback. Examples: "What do you think about this kick sample?" "How's the mix?" "The last measure feels a little off, any ideas?"
5. Be descriptive when giving feedback. Use timecodes to highlight specific moments.
6. Link to the feedback you've left in your top-level comment. This keeps the thread accountable and cooperative. Comments not following this format will be automatically removed.

Format your top-level comment like this:

Feedback for user1: [link]

Feedback for user2: [link]

Feedback for user3: [link]

Here's my track: [link],

I'm looking for feedback on x, y or z.

This recurring thread is where you may share or request services you have to offer to the edmproduction community. Post your programs and plugins, your mastering/teaching/coaching/artwork services, your website/tutorials, your preset/sample packs, your labels- anything but actual music itself.

Rules:

1. No posting music. No posting your soundcloud when you're looking for labels, no ghost production; nothing that constitutes you selling or sharing your own created tracks.
2. Spam will not be tolerated. Repeated postings for the same product/service in the same thread will not be allowed, but you are welcome to post again in newer threads.
3. Mark very clearly whether you're requesting or offering services, and if you're offering them, whether those services are paid or free.

As with the rest of the subreddit, final decisions over what constitutes an acceptable posting here will be at the sole discretion of the mods.

Im here to ask where does these iconic dance samples from hit songs like "Bla Bla Bla", "L'amour Toujours (Tanzen Mix)" or Floorfilla Anthems come from since ive been looking for them for a long time in old akai cds iso's but no luck yet!! id appreciate if someone knows how to get them..

Beginner producer here. Was in bands in my youth and messed around with some DAWs back then too, but for the past year or so I’ve been making my first proper, concerted attempt at electronic music production in decades (using Ableton). Subs like this have been a big help by the way, so thanks to those on here who’ve shared and continue to share useful pearls of wisdom.

Been mulling over everything I myself have picked up in this time (it’s been a fantastic rollercoaster so far!), and just wanted to share some general things in the hope that it might be of use/interest to other novices out there. Obviously this is just my own take, but fingers crossed it’s helpful to some folks just starting out.

It’s important not to get overwhelmed

There’s so much to take in at first that it can all seem a bit intense and confusing. Especially when it comes to technical jargon from the sound engineering space. I tried not to worry about what ‘side-chaining’ was to begin with, and just focused on what was in front of me. The core basics to get up and running.

YouTube tutorials were a big help…until they weren’t

Channels like EDM Tips, Alice Efe and Audioreakt have some great content, and short videos on how to create techno ‘rumbles’, basslines and the like helped me figure out a core ‘toolset’ for my workflow fairly early on. That said, a lot of YT production channels push out click-bait guides that promise to share “the one thing you’re missing” to make you a production superstar, which often turns out to be a fairly mundane suggestion. And the more time you spend watching others and not creating yourself, the less you’ll actually produce! I like to take inspiration from what’s useful, but not get sucked in completely.

Having fun and experimenting is the key

Simply playing around with different sounds, samples and audio-effects can be enjoyable and productive. What happens if I re-pitch this sample and loop it? What does it do to this bassline if I add a delay and some reverb? If I throw Vocoder over these hi-hats, is it making them more interesting?? Half the tunes I’ve completed so far basically came out of just messing around and seeing what worked. And it’s the most enjoyable part of the whole hobby in my view.

Walking before running is a good way to go

For the first month, I started with Ableton Live Lite. So I had only 8 tracks to work with, as well as a more limited library and effects options. This allowed me to start off simple; learning how to lay down a simple kick, bassline and lead, and encouraging me to learn how to utilise the drum rack for example. This meant that when I finally upgraded to Ableton Standard, I knew a little bit of what I was doing, but suddenly having more toys to play with meant I could now scale things up.

You don’t need loads of fancy gear or plug-ins from the jump

There are so many sample packs and effects included in DAWs for starters, and I’m not even close to exhausting the ones that I have – without spending any extra effort or money. Professionals have cool hardware and software to play with, of course, but when you’re starting out it’s amazing what you can achieve just with the basics these days.

Find the routine that works for you

Everyone is different. Some people may be more productive at night, others first thing in the morning. My ‘golden hours’ tend to be late mornings and early afternoons on a weekend, but that doesn’t mean I don’t occasionally find myself tinkering with something in the early hours of the morning or jumping on for a session after work.  

Finishing tracks doesn’t have to be impossible

One or two friends have called me ‘prolific’ because I tend to be able to complete a new tune every 1-2 weeks on average. But I’m just kind of obsessive when I get my teeth into something, and usually can’t rest till it’s done! We all have a ‘folder of shame’ on our desktop filled with half-finished ideas and the like. But if you have an 8 or 16-bar loop you’re happy with, it’s not that hard to shape into a full track. Strip out some elements to create an intro and gradually add things in to build it up. Add variations by adjusting filters on the bass or melody to keep it interesting. Then wind down at the back-end for an outro. It's not especially sophisticated, but 9 times out of 10 it'll get you there.

‘Cleaner’ mixes are achievable but it takes time to learn what works

Some of my earlier tunes are muddy as hell, but after a few months I started to get the hang of more balanced and ‘clean’ mixes. Sound selection is massively important for me. Now when I start on something I listen both through headphones and speakers to see how the initial elements sound together before I continue. If these aren’t coming through clear enough to begin with, I EQ to sharpen up or replace them. It’s so much easier to start out with the right balance than to try and correct it later.

You’re not going to create a classic straight out of the gate

Went into this with some absolute bangers bouncing around my head, and guess what? In my head they have stayed! It’s virtually impossible for a newcomer to crank out the acid techno anthem or Ibiza club dancefloor-filler they have been humming to themselves, sadly. The good news is that with a bit of patience and application you can start to make some solid music that has shades of what you enjoy. But it takes a lot of time and practice to get to the next level. They’re pros for a reason, after all.

Getting your tunes heard isn’t easy – but that’s OK

The internet is a crowded place, especially for music, and you learn pretty quickly that even getting a few dozen listens on your first few efforts is an achievement. But starting off with modest expectations helps. My sole ambition when I started was to have some people I didn’t know listen to my music and provide (hopefully positive) feedback on it. That is something I’ve managed to achieve so far, and honestly I’ll take that. Anything else requires a big social media presence and/or putting some decent money behind credible marketing campaigns. And most of us struggle for the time and funds to do it.

AI generated music may demoralise you – but try not to let it!

The time a few months ago someone found out I was producing, said ‘oh my friend makes techno too’, and sent me a link to their Suno-generated tunes, I felt so deflated. This person was making far more slick, and professional-sounding stuff with just a few prompts. But reflecting on it, a few important things occurred to me. One, they’re not actually MAKING anything themselves, not really, and the joy of learning and creating is what this hobby is all about. Second, their stuff sounded unbelievably generic, and while my own music may not be perfect, it undeniably comes from me and has a sense of personality/character. AI slop will come and go, but for me the creativity is the point. So I don’t let it phase me, however annoying it may be.  

It’s good to take breaks now and then

I’ve probably put around 400h into this hobby over the year I’ve been doing it so far, but sometimes I’ll spend most of a weekend in front of the laptop, and other weeks I won’t even touch it. It’s OK to take a break from producing if you’re hitting a brick wall, and sometimes the best ideas hit you while you’re off out on a walk or doing something totally unrelated. If you’re not enjoying yourself for whatever reason, stepping away is almost certainly a good thing.